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Topics: Explained, Health, Life, Sex and Relationships, Women's Health, Advice
Rhiannon Ingle
Topics: Explained, Health, Life, Sex and Relationships, Women's Health, Advice
Now, I'm sure many of us know all about the plethora of health benefits when it comes to orgasms.
An orgasm, which is created by the tensing and releasing of certain muscles, brings with it the release of feel-good hormones such as endorphins, and it's these bad boys which create feelings of physical and emotional pleasure.
Yep, whether you're reaching climax solo-style through masturbation or with a partner during sex, it's been proven that orgasms provide a whole range of health benefits, including: pain relief, improved heart health, stronger pelvic floor muscles, better sleep, boosted immune system, hormonal balance, stress reduction and many, many more.
But there are apparently some downsides to the bodily function, as a sex expert has revealed why you might experience ‘temporary deafness’ after orgasm.
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Well, according to sexual health nurse Sarah Mulindwa, this phenomenon actually has a name - transient tinnitus.
"It’s called transient tinnitus, and while it might sound like something out of a medical drama, it’s a genuine phenomenon," she told the Metro.
"Think of it as your body’s way of saying, 'That was intense.'"
The expert notes that there are three main reasons why this can occur in both men and women, the first being a pressure shift in the ear.
"Orgasms cause a spike in heart rate and blood pressure, which can mess with the delicate pressure balance in your inner ear," Sarah added. "That shift can distort how sound is processed, leading to temporary hearing change."
Secondly, during sex, blood is directed toward certain, ahem, pleasurable body parts and away from the upper half of the body, which can have a knock-on effect.
"Blood flow can be redirected away from certain areas, including the cochlea, the part of your ear that is crucial to hearing. Less blood equals less clarity," Sarah continued.
And, finally, temporarily losing your hearing could be caused by 'neural modulation', or, in simpler terms, brain overload.
"Your brain is doing a lot during orgasm; releasing dopamine, oxytocin, and other feel-good chemicals," Sarah explains. "In the process, it might temporarily dial down activity in areas responsible for hearing, especially if it’s prioritising pleasure over perception.
"In short, your brain’s reward system goes into overdrive, decreasing activity in other areas."
Don't worry, though, as the superintendent pharmacist for Pharmica, Ana Carolina Goncalves, told the outlet that such a reaction typically doesn’t last longer than a few minutes.
"It typically resolves quickly and is usually harmless," she explains.
According to Sarah, 'it’s usually over before you’ve even caught your breath'.
"If it lingers longer than that, or keeps happening, it’s worth paying attention. Your body’s trying to tell you something," she adds.
If you’re concerned, both Ana and Sarah recommend seeing a GP and if the hearing loss is accompanied by additional symptoms, medical attention is essential.
"If you also experience dizziness, ringing, or vertigo, it’s time to book an appointment," Sarah warned. "Persistent hearing changes after orgasm could point to underlying issues like high blood pressure, circulatory problems (reduced blood flow), or even an inner ear disorder (like Ménière’s disease).
"It’s not something to panic about, but it is something to monitor. Better safe than sorry, especially when it comes to your hearing."
While superintendent pharmacist Ana has encountered a few cases of people losing their hearing during sex, it’s not considered very common.
"It’s more whispered about in online forums than written up in textbooks," Sarah says. "But just because it’s not mainstream doesn’t mean it’s made up! Our bodies are full of quirks, and sex can trigger all sorts of unexpected reactions."
Orgasms can also trigger other symptoms, including amnesia, facial spasms, tears, sneezing, and even shrinking testicles.
So, while it’s not something you’ll hear about every day, it’s not unheard of either.